New Jersey's cities have experienced a massive surge in violence, with victims gunned down in broad daylight and innocent children murdered on our streets. I recently introduced legislation to form a commission to address this issue, by bringing together stakeholders to examine the underlying problems that are contributing to this epidemic and to recommend action to address them.

The Times’ editorial “Crime study may not be needed” (Jan. 30), missed the point of the proposal. In fact, it laid out the very reasons it is necessary to study the problems plaguing our urban areas and for too long have gone unaddressed.

Yes, we know that unemployment, inadequate housing and insufficiently funded social programs are some of the core problems that must be tackled. And, yes, representatives of urban areas have been working for years to draw attention to these issues and the need to dedicate human and financial resources to solve them — but largely to no avail.

The editorial stated that "opportunity is eroding for children growing up in these cities." Sadly, that is true. But we cannot do nothing, nor can officials continue to claim that the same quick fixes discussed for years are the solution.

There are deep-rooted problems in our urban areas that cause violence. They must be examined and documented through a collaborative process. It will be difficult not to enact the collective recommendations of representatives from state agencies, local officials, community leaders and law enforcement, especially if this group has heard firsthand from those who are suffering.

We must also take immediate action. My Assembly colleagues Ralph Caputo and Cleopatra Tucker and I have said that additional funding for law enforcement and enhancing collaboration among departments must be a priority.

But as a former police officer, I know that even with more cops on the streets, enhanced collaboration and even tougher gun laws, there will still be violent crime. Homicides in Newark may go from 111 in a year to 70; 37 in Trenton may turn into 30.

Without the other elements — economic justice, quality housing and job training among them — we are not going to dramatically reduce violence. We have to get serious about solving these problems. Bringing all stakeholders together through a New Jersey state commission on urban violence is crucial to that effort.

Sen. Ronald L. Rice represents the 28th District. He is chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and vice chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.